5 Tips To Make Your Upcoming Teacher Observation A Success
Posted on: 25 June 2018
When someone watches you work, it can be particularly nerve-racking. This is why classroom observations create anxiety for a number of teachers. As a general rule, the classroom runs smoothly; however, teachers worry that everything under the moon will go wrong when an observer comes to watch. No one wants to hear that they did something wrong, or that they aren't good enough. To help reduce the chances of your classroom observation going wrong, here are five tips to ensure you are prepared.
Tip #1: Visualize Success
The most important thing you can do for yourself is stop focusing on what could potentially go wrong and instead focusing on everything that could go right. Visualize success by focusing on reassuring thoughts. Prepare that day's lesson well in advance so that you have time to read it aloud numerous times.
Tip #2: Keep It Simple
As you prepare your lesson for observation day, do keep things as simple as possible. This is definitely not the day for a lengthy writing prompt, test, or even a video. While you do want to deliver a solid lesson to your students, you don't need an elaborate plan that could go wrong like a student debate. Plus, at the end of the day, something like that wouldn't effectively showcase your instructional skills.
Tip #3: Reach Out to the Observer
Prior to the day of your observation, reach out to the individual who will be observing you. Find out what they will be looking for, and let them know of anything they should know about the way that you teach. This will help you feel more comfortable going into the observation.
Tip #4: Ignore the Observer
On the day of your teacher observation, make sure that you "know" the observer is there, but you don't let him or her become a distraction to what you are there to do: teach your students. Before you begin your lesson, sit your observer in an unobtrusive location of your room, and make sure to provide him or her with a copy of the day's lesson plan.
Tip #5: Make Use of the Observer's Feedback
Once your observation is complete, you will receive a copy of the notes from the observer. If you don't agree with something, or understand something, don't hesitate to ask questions, and then make sure to create a plan to improve. After all, this won't be your last teacher observation!
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